Seized puppies cannot be adopted yet due to criminal investigation

The 116 puppies seized by gardaí at Dublin Port cannot be put up for adoption yet because they could be used as evidence in a criminal trial, the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) has said.

Some 84 of the puppies are in the DSPCA’s shelter in Rathfarnham. The other 32 have gone into temporary foster care as they are suffering from minor ailments including diarrhoea and worms.

All the puppies are in quarantine and are not available to the public to view or adopt yet.

The puppies were seized from two vehicles bound for the UK at Dublin Port on Wednesday.

Pugs, West Highland Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Labroadoodles and Beagles were among the breeds being transported. All of the puppies were aged between four and eight weeks.

None of the puppies seized had a Pet Passport, which is required under law to show the animal has been vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and seen by a vet.

The DSPCA suspected the puppies would be microchipped going into the UK and would therefore fetch a premium price if sold.

DSPCA spokeswoman Gillian Bird said the puppies generally were in good form. They were "pooping beautifully and in large quantities", she revealed.

The animals were seized under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

Ms Bird said the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney had taken a personal interest in the case as he had put the legislation in place which might lead to a prosecution.

Members of the DSPCA, the Department of Agriculture, Revenue and gardaí were involved in the operation on Wednesday night.